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Finding castles to rent for a vacation in Ireland is in large part a matter of deciding which region of the country you want to stay in. That’s because castles are as much a part of Ireland as pubs and the green countryside. Ireland castle rentals are available for any length of stay and accommodate from eight to 30 people.

Ballyportry Castle

Ballyportry Castle is a restored 15th-century castle that sleeps eight adults within its six bedrooms. The distinct Gaelic tower house has a fully equipped modern kitchen and a great hall, which seats up to 12 for dining. Arrangements can be made to hire a local chef to prepare meals. A unique spiral stone staircase leads to the bedrooms and baths. From the top of the castle, enjoy panoramic views of the area’s seven lakes. Located on the west coat of Ireland, Ballyportry is perfectly situated for enjoying nature. The Burren, a botanical nature reserve and bird sanctuary, is nearby. Besides many plants and flowers from the Arctic and Mediterranean regions, The Burren features 1,000-year-old stone walls, ring forts and tranquil lakes. The area is also known for its fishing, golfing, hiking and pony trekking. About 45 minutes away is the surfing beach of Lahinch. Ballyportry Castle accommodates short stays or a full week. The 2010 rates start at $1,483 (1,100 euros) for a two-night stay, $2,562 (1,900 euros) for a four-night stay and $2,967 (2,200 euros) for a week rental. Electricity and heating costs are additional and based on usage. A security deposit is required. Ballyportry Castle Corofin-Gort Road County Clare, Ireland +353-1-6609038 ballyportry.ie

Lismore Castle

The elegant Lismore Castle, located in the southeast region of Ireland and overlooking Blackwater Valley, offers luxurious accommodations for 21 guests. Twelve bedrooms and 11 bathrooms are located on the three floors of living space. Other rooms include a billiard room, a TV room, a game room, a drawing room, two sitting rooms, a dining room that seats up to 24 guests and a banquet hall. The pristine grounds feature seven acres of gardens, a tennis court and a nine-hole golf course. Salmon fishing, fox hunting and horseback riding are popular activities in the area. As of 2010, the weekly rental rate for up to 12 guests is $42,481 (31,500 euros), with an additional charge for each added guest. The price includes all meals and afternoon tea, as well as a full staff and butler. There is an additional charge for heat, electricity, telephone calls and other services. Contact the castle for rates for fewer than 12 people. A four-night minimum stay is required, as is a refundable security deposit. Lismore Castle Lismore County Waterford, Ireland +353-58-54288 lismorecastle.com

Lisheen Castle

The Tudor-style Lisheen Castle sits majestically in the Shannon Lakelands region of Ireland. The nine bedrooms, including a master suite, accommodate 11 to 15 guests; and the formal dining room, with ceiling murals portraying ancient Ireland, comfortably seats 14. The castle also features an Old World-style kitchen, a library and a drawing room, which is the castle's centerpiece with its white marble open fireplace and double-height Elizabethan windows. Located on a hill in Thurles, Lisheen Castle has 360-degree views of the county of Tipperary. Popular tourist sites, including the Rock of Cashel, Holy Cross Abbey, Kilkenny Castle and the Glen of Aherlow, are an hour’s drive away. Nature walks, golfing and horseback riding are common activities in the area. The 2010 rate for a three-night stay starts at $4,720 (3,500 euros), while a week stay starts at $5,394 (4,000 euros). Heating, electricity, telephone calls and other services are not included in the price and are charged based on usage. While most guests make their own meals, arrangements can be made for a catering staff, as well as a housekeeping staff, for an additional fee. Lisheen Castle Thurles Co Tipperary, Ireland +353-504-45194 lisheencastle.com

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Maryellen Cicione is an award-winning writer with more than 20 years' writing and editing experience. She boasts strong research skills and specializes in interviewing. Cicione's work has been published on numerous websites and in various magazines and newspapers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications.